Control of toys and devices by sounds

RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a US national filing of PCT Application PCT/IL98/00450, filed Sep. 16, 1998, which claims priority from Israel Patent Application No. IL 125,221, filed Jul. 6, 1998.

FIELD OF INVENTION

0002The present invention relates generally to the control of toys and devices by sounds, as well as to the control of toys and devices by incidental sounds, that is by sounds whose generation is subordinate to some other action, or by sounds whose generation accompanies some other action.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0003Devices that perform certain functions in response to sounds such as singing, whistling, ringing bells or voicing commands are known in the art. These devices are used, for example, in toys and appliances.

0004U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,695, “Sound Controllable Apparatus Particularly Useful in Controlling Toys and Robots”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an apparatus for controlling a device according to different sound commands. The apparatus comprises a microphone, a processor and a control system. The apparatus is capable of interpreting different commands, which may be a word, combinations of words, beeps, hand-claps and whistles.

0005U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,371, “Robot-Like Toy Vehicle”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a robot-like toy that reverses the direction of its movement in response to a loud sound, such as a hand clap, or a call.

0006U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,184, “Remote-Control Doll Assembly”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a doll that raises its arms and cries in responds to sounds made by squeezing a toy baby bottle or by squeezing a pressure-sensitive rattle.

0007U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,007, “Toy having a Melody-Making Mechanism of a Sound-Detection Type”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a toy such as a stuffed doll, having a melody-making mechanism which responds to external sounds such as human voice or a hand clap.

0008These sound-control devices rely on sounds generated by a specific action of the user, for example, by pronouncing a word, clapping hands or squeezing a pressure-sensitive rattle.

0009U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,286, “Multiple Activation Crib Toy”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a crib toy that provides musical output and predetermined motions of a plurality of cartoon-like figures. The crib toy contains several noise-producing apparatuses (a rattle, a horn button and a center button) that are an integral part of the crib toy. The crib toy is activated by sounds. The sounds may be ambient sounds or specific sounds produced by an infant manipulating the noise-producing apparatuses.

0010U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,696, “Sound Activated Mobile”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a mobile that is activated by the sounds in its vicinity.

0011U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,034, “Mobile for Infants”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a sound-producing mobile and cassette player that are activated by sounds from the crib, and respond with comforting voices via a loudspeaker and movement of the mobile.

0012These sound-control devices rely on ambient sound which may come from the baby, but may come from other sources as well, so their response is not necessarily specific to the baby.

0013Toys that respond to other toys are described for example in the above described U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,184, “Remote Control Doll Assembly” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,286, “Multiple Activation Crib Toy”. U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,336, “Toy and Method Providing Audio Output Representative of Message Optically Sensed by the toy”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference describes a toy capable of optically detecting and recognizing specific markings on objects, and articulating a word, a phrase or a sentence in response to the markings. In this way the toy may “read” and “speak”. The markings may be visible codes, invisible codes or holograms.

0014Toys and devices that respond to sounds by body motion are described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,380, “Body-Motion Activated Crib Mobile”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a mobile that is activated by an infant's motion, utilizing a passive infrared sensor detects the body motion.

0015Toys that respond to a direction a sound are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,376, “Voice-Responsive Doll eye Mechanism”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, which describes a doll having a mechanism that provides eye rotation when a child speaks to the doll, to simulate a human response.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0016One aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to control toys and electrical devices by incidental sounds produced by a sound maker that is attached to a person, a pet and/or devices physically coupled to a person, such as clothes or a wheelchair.

0017In preferred embodiments of the invention, a sound maker is worn by a person or a pet, or is attached to an article of clothing of the person. As the person (or pet) moves, sounds incidental to the movement are generated. The responding toy or device has a microphone and appropriate circuitry to respond to the incidental sounds. Examples are, an infant wearing a rattle bracelet may operate a mobile, an invalid wearing a rattle pendant may operate lights and electrical appliances such as a radio, and a fan, a pet wearing a rattle collar may operate an electric door lock, or an electric water faucet.

0018An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide toys and devices that respond to the direction of a non-human sound source, or to some other direction with respect to the direction of a sound source (wherein the sound may or may not be incidental).

0019In preferred embodiments of this aspect, the responding toy or device has a stereophonic receiver (comprising two microphones) and appropriate circuitry to discern the direction of a sound source and to respond in proper manner Alternatively, the responding toy or device has a receiver which comprises a single microphone that has an angular-dependent frequency response, so that sounds from different directions are received differently. For example, a toy puppy may respond to a sound source by turning and looking in the direction of the sound source. Alternatively or additionally, the toy puppy may also walk towards the sound source and/or change its direction of motion. In another example, a toy car may wheel over towards the sound source. Alternatively or additionally, the toy may respond to the sound by changing an angle of at least one of its wheels. Alternatively or additionally, the toy may respond to the sound source with a different logic, for example, turn away.

0020An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide toys and devices that respond responsive to a distance of the sound source. In one example, a toy responds only to sounds within a specific distance, or respond differently to sound sources from different distances (wherein the sounds may or may not be incidental).

0021In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the responding toy or device include a range finder. For example, a radio and a fan will be turned on only when an invalid wearing a sound maker is within a specific range.

0022An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide toys and devices that respond responsive to a change of direction and/or distance and/or relative or absolute position of the sound source. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the response may depend on the magnitude of the change and/or on the polarity of the change, for example, advancing/retreating (wherein the sounds may or may not be incidental).

0023In preferred embodiments of this aspect, the responding toy or device has appropriate circuitry to determine whether a sound source is approaching or moving away by the different levels of amplitude with time. For example, as the sound source approaches, the sound amplitude increases. Alternatively or additionally, the responding toy or device has appropriate circuitry that relies on the Doppler effect of the sound frequency to determine whether a sound source is approaching or moving away. For example, a doll may say, “Hellos” when a toddler wearing a rattle bracelet approaches, and “See you later,” when he walks away. An “I-am-always-behind-you” puppy may follow close behind the toddler. A “chase-me” ball may roll away from the toddler. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an incidental sound source is constructed to provide a substantially constant amplitude and/or frequency spectrum substantially independent of the cause for sound generation.

0024An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide toys and devices that respond differently to different amplitudes of sound (wherein the sound may or may not be incidental).

0025In preferred embodiments of this aspect, the responding toy or device has several amplitude filters and appropriate circuitry to respond in kind to different amplitude levels. For example, a mobile or a toy computer may play a loud tune in response to a loud rattle and a soft tune in response to a soft rattle.

0026An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide toys and devices that respond differently to different pitches of sound wherein the wavelength of the sound is known or wherein the sound have a known wavelength spectrum. (The sound may or may not be incidental).

0027In preferred embodiments of this aspect, the responding toy or device has a frequency band filter allowing only a particular frequency band to control the toy or the device. Alternatively, the toys and devices have a microprocessor that analyzes the incoming sound and compares it with an expected sound spectrum of the toy or device. For example, a mobile will respond to the rattle bracelet on the infant's wrist but not to ambient sounds nor to the sounds of the infant crying.

0028An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide toys and devices that respond differently to different rates of sound production, such as different rates of rattling (wherein the sound may or may not be incidental).

0029In preferred embodiments of this aspect, the responding toy or device has a appropriate circuitry that analyzes the rate of sound production and responds in kind. For example, a mobile may play a fast tune in response to a fast rate of rattle and a slow tune in response to a slow rate of rattle, a “chase-me” ball will roll away faster as a toddler wearing a rattle bracelet chases it faster.

0030An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide a plurality of toys and devices all controlled by a single sound maker (wherein the sound may or may not be incidental).

0031In preferred embodiments of this aspect, a small child or an invalid may control several devices such as lights, an air conditioner or a music system with one sound maker.

0032An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide a plurality of toys and devices and a plurality of sound makers, each having a unique sound, wherein there is a one-to-one correspondence between the toys and devices on the one hand and the sound makers on the other, so that each toy or device responds only to the specific sound of its corresponding sound maker (wherein the sound may or may not be incidental).

0033In preferred embodiments of this aspect, a small child may entertain himself with a plurality of sound makers, and a plurality of corresponding toys and devices will respond to the sounds in a respective manner. For example, an arrangement may comprise a plurality of squeaking, toy, baby animals, and a plurality of corresponding, toy, mother animals, each with a microphone and a filter band so as to respond only to the squeaking sounds of its own toy baby. As a child squeaks any of the toy baby animals, a toy mother animal calls out for her baby. Alternatively, the toy mother animal may also have a motor and turns to face its toy baby, or advance towards it.

0034An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a plurality of sound makers, each having a unique sound, to control different functions of a single toy or device (wherein the sound may or may not be incidental).

0035In preferred embodiments of this aspect, a small child may entertain himself with a plurality of sound makers, and a multi-functional toy will respond. For example, an arrangement may comprise a toy computer and a plurality of sound makers that operate as function keys. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the multi-function toy comprises a computer game (e.g., space invaders), wherein controllable elements of the game are controlled responsive to the direction, amplitude, distance and/or changes therein. In one example, the motion of a spaceship is dependent on the direction and/or speed of motion of the sound source. the parameters of the sound source may be determined using a one or more microphones, as described above. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an arrangement may comprise a toy computer and a plurality of squeaking toy animals. As a child squeaks any of the toy animals, the toy computer pronounces the name of the animal

0036An advantage to controlling toys and devices by sounds is that there is no need to resort to electromagnetic radiation for remote control especially where small children are involved.

0037In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toy utilizes a microcontroller to analyze received sounds. Thus, several different sounds can be responded to at a same manufacturing as responding to a single sound.

0038There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling at least one device by incidental sound produced by a living creature and including:

0039attaching a sound-maker to a living creature so that the natural movements of the living creature will cause the sound-maker to emit a sound;

0040receiving the sound by at least one device; and

0041responding by some physical response to the sound, by the at least one device.

0042Preferably, receiving comprises stereophonically receiving and including:

0043analyzing the direction of the incoming sound,

0044wherein responding includes responding to a specific direction in relation to the direction of the received sound.

0045Alternatively or additionally, receiving comprises differentially receiving sounds coming from different directions and including:

0046analyzing the direction of the incoming sound,

0047wherein responding includes responding to a specific direction in relation to the direction of the received sound.

0048There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling at least one device by sound and including:

0049generating a sound by a non-human sound-maker;

0050stereophonically receiving the sound by at least one device;

0051analyzing the direction of the received sound; and

0052responding, by the at least one device to a specific direction in relation to the direction of the received sound.

0053There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling at least one device by sound and including:

0054generating a sound by a non-human sound-maker;

0055differentially receiving sounds coming from different directions;

0056analyzing the direction of the received sound; and

0057responding, by the at least one device to a specific direction in relation to the direction of the received sound.

0058In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a living creature causes the sound to be generated.

0059In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes analyzing whether the source of the sound is approaching or moving away, wherein responding includes responding differently to a sound source that is approaching and to a sound source that is moving away.

0060There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling at least one device by sound and including:

0061generating a sound by a sound-maker;

0062receiving the sound by at least one device;

0063analyzing whether the source of the sound is approaching or moving away; and

0064responding differently by the at least one device to a sound source that is approaching and to a sound source that is moving away.

0065Preferably, wherein a living creature causes the sound to be generated.

0066In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes analyzing the distance from at least one device to the sound-maker, wherein responding includes responding differently to sound sources from different distances.

0067There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling at least one device by sound and including:

0068generating a sound by a sound-maker;

0069receiving the sound by at least one device;

0070analyzing the distance from at least one device to the sound-maker; and

0071responding differently by the at least one device to sound sources from different distances.

0072Preferably, a living creature causes the sound to be generated.

0073In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes analyzing the sound for amplitude, wherein responding includes responding differently to different amplitudes.

0074There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling at least one device by sound and including:

0075generating a sound by a sound-maker;

0076receiving the sound by at least one device;

0077analyzing the sound for amplitude; and

0078responding differently by the at least one device to different amplitudes.

0079Preferably, a living creature causes the sound to be generated.

0080In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound is characteristic of the sound maker and wherein the device responds only to the characteristic sound. Alternatively or additionally, the method includes analyzing the sound for pitch; wherein responding includes responding differently to different pitches.

0081There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling at least one device by sound and including: generating a characteristic sound by a sound-maker;

0082receiving the characteristic sound by at least one device;

0083analyzing the characteristic sound for pitch; and

0084responding differently by the at least one device to different pitches.

0085Preferably, a living creature causes the sound to be generated.

0086In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes analyzing the sound for sound-production rate; wherein responding includes responding differently to different rates.

0087There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling at least one device by sound and including:

0088generating a sound by a sound-maker;

0089receiving the sound by at least one device;

0090analyzing the sound for sound-production rate; and

0091responding differently by the at least one device to different rates.

0092Preferably, a living creature causes the sound to be generated.

0093In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one device comprises at least one toy. Alternatively or additionally, at least one device comprises at least one electrical appliance. Alternatively or additionally, at least one device comprises at least one lighting device. Alternatively or additionally, at least one device comprises a plurality of devices.

0094In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises providing a plurality of devices and a plurality of sound makers, wherein there is a one to one correspondence between the sounds produced by the sound makers and the devices and including:

0095generating a sound of specific characteristics by one of the plurality of sound makers;

0096receiving the sound by the plurality of devices;

0097analyzing the sound characteristics by the plurality of devices; and

0098responding only by the corresponding device to the specific sound characteristics of its sound maker.

0099There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling a plurality of devices by a plurality of sound makers, wherein there is a one to one correspondence between the sound makers and the devices and including:

0100generating a sound of specific characteristics by one of the plurality of sound makers;

0101receiving the sound by the plurality of devices;

0102analyzing the sound characteristics by the plurality of devices; and

0103responding only by the corresponding device to the specific sound characteristics of its corresponding sound maker.

0104Preferably, a living creature causes the sound to be generated.

0105In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the living creature is a child, preferably a child lacking fine motor control. Alternatively or additionally, the living creature is an infant lacking fine motor control. Alternatively or additionally, the living creature is an invalid. Alternatively or additionally, the living creature is an animal.

0106In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises:

0107providing a plurality of sound-makers, each generating a characteristic sound when activated and a single multifunctional device;

0108generating a sound of specific characteristics by one of the plurality of sound makers;

0109receiving the sound by the device;

0110analyzing the sound characteristics by the device; and

0111responding by the device with a specific function to the specific sound characteristics of the sound maker.

0112In a preferred embodiment of the invention, responding comprises producing an audio output. Alternatively or additionally, responding comprises producing a light display. Alternatively or additionally, responding comprises producing a response on a computer screen. Alternatively or additionally, receiving comprises sensing the direction of the sound source and comprising:

0113controlling at least one element in a computer game responsive to said received sounds.

0114In a preferred embodiment of the invention, controlling comprises moving the element responsive to the sensed direction. Alternatively or additionally, responding comprises generating motion on the device. Preferably, generating motion comprises turning a head. Alternatively or additionally, moving comprises moving eyes. Alternatively or additionally, moving comprises moving a nose. Alternatively or additionally, moving comprises moving ears. Alternatively or additionally, moving comprises moving a mouth.

0115In a preferred embodiment of the invention, responding comprises moving the device. Preferably, moving comprises moving on limbs. Alternatively or additionally, moving comprises moving on wheels. Alternatively or additionally, moving comprises moving on treads. Alternatively or additionally, moving comprises moving at a predetermined angular orientation. Alternatively or additionally, moving comprises moving at a variable angle.

0116In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound comprises ultrasound. Alternatively or additionally, the sound comprises infra-sound.

0117There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus comprising:

0118a sound-maker which produces a sound when moved;

0119means of attaching the sound-maker to a living creature so that the natural movements of the living creature will cause the sound-maker to emit said sound; and

0120at least one device that receives the sound and produces a physical response, responsive only to the sound.

0121Preferably, the sound maker produces a characteristic sound and wherein the device responds only to the characteristic sound. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one device comprises:

0122a sound receiver that receives the sound and produces at least one sound signal responsive thereto;

0123a sound analyzer, that receives the at least one sound signal and determines if a physical response should be made; and

0124a responsive element that performs the physical response, responsive to the determination.

0125Preferably, the sound receiver is a stereophonic receiver;

0126the sound analyzer determines the direction of the sound from the at least one signal; and

0127the responsive element responds relative to a specific direction with respect to the determined direction of the sound source.

0128Alternatively or additionally, the sound receiver is a receiver having an angular dependence;

0129the sound analyzer determines the direction of the sound from the at least one signal; and

0130the responsive element responds relative to a specific direction with respect to the determined direction of the sound source.

0131There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus comprising:

0132a sound-maker which produces a sound when moved;

0133at least one device comprising:

0134a stereophonic sound receiver that receives the sound and produces at least one sound signal responsive thereto;

0135a sound analyzer, that receives the at least one sound signal and determines the direction of the sound and whether a response should be made to the sound; and

0136a responsive element that performs a physical response, responsive to the determination.

0137There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus comprising:

0138a sound-maker which produces a sound when moved;

0139at least one device comprising:

0140a sound receiver comprising a microphone having an angular dependence that receives the sound and produces at least one sound signal responsive thereto;

0141a sound analyzer, that receives the at least one sound signal and determines the direction of the sound and whether a response should be made to the sound; and

0142a responsive element that performs a physical response, responsive to the determination.

0143In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the responsive element causes a response related to the determined direction.

0144In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound analyzer determines whether the sound maker is approaching or receding from the device; and

0145the responsive element performs a physical response dependent on the determination.

0146There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. apparatus comprising:

0147a sound-maker which produces a sound when moved;

0148at least one device comprising:

0149a sound receiver that receives the sound and produces at least one sound signal responsive thereto;

0150a sound analyzer, that receives the at least one sound signal and determines whether the sound maker is approaching or receding from the device and whether a response should be made to the sound; and

0151a responsive element that performs a physical response, responsive to the determination.

0152Preferably, the response is different depending on whether the source is determined to be approaching or receding.

0153In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound analyzer determines whether a sound source is approaching or receding by the Doppler effect on the sound frequency. Alternatively or additionally, the sound analyzer determines whether a sound source is approaching or moving away by a change in amplitude of the sound with time.

0154In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one device comprises a range finder which determines the distance to the sound source, where the response of the device is dependent on the determined distance.

0155There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus comprising:

0156a sound-maker which produces a sound when moved;

0157at least one device comprising:

0158a sound receiver that receives the sound and produces at least one sound signal responsive thereto;

0159a range finder that determines the distance to the sound maker;

0160a sound analyzer, that receives the at least one sound signal and determines whether a response should be made to the sound and receives the distance determination and determines a suitable response based on the distance; and

0161a responsive element that performs a physical response, responsive to the determinations made by the sound analyzer.

0162In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound analyzer determines the amplitude of the sound and determines a physical response, responsive to the amplitude.

0163There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus comprising:

0164a sound-maker which produces a sound when moved;

0165at least one device comprising:

0166a sound receiver that receives the sound and produces at least one sound signal responsive thereto;

0167a sound analyzer, that receives the at least one sound signal and determines whether a response should be made to the sound and determines a suitable response based on an amplitude of the sound; and

0168a responsive element that performs a physical response, responsive to the determinations made by the sound analyzer.

0169In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the analyzer determines a rate of sound production and wherein the at least one device responds differently to different rates.

0170There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, apparatus comprising:

0171a sound-maker which produces a sound when moved;

0172at least one device comprising:

0173a sound receiver that receives the sound and produces at least one sound signal responsive thereto;

0174a sound analyzer, that receives the at least one sound signal and determines whether a response should be made to the sound and determines a rate of sound production; and

0175a responsive element that performs a physical response, responsive to the determinations made by the sound analyzer.

0176In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound maker produces a characteristic sound and wherein the analyzer makes its determination responsive to a characteristic of the received sound.

0177Preferably, the characteristic is pitch.

0178In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one device comprises at least one toy. Alternatively or additionally, at least one device comprises at least one electrical appliance. Alternatively or additionally, at least one device comprises at least one lighting device. Alternatively or additionally, at least one device comprises a plurality of devices. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus comprises a plurality of devices and a plurality of sound makers, each having a characteristic sound, wherein there is a one to one correspondence between the sound makers and the devices and wherein each device responds only to a sound generated by its corresponding sound-maker.

0179In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a single multifunctional device and a plurality of sound-makers, each having a characteristic sound, wherein the single device responds with a specific function to each of specific sounds characteristics of the sound makers.

0180In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a single multifunctional device capable of determining a sound source parameter, wherein the single device responds with a specific function to different values of parameters.

0181Preferably, the parameter comprises a source direction.

0182In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound comprises ultrasound frequencies. Alternatively or additionally, the sound comprises infra-sound frequencies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0183The invention will be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed descriptions of non-limiting preferred embodiments of the invention in which:

0184<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating an infant too young for motor control operating at least one toy by incidental sounds produced from a sound maker worn by him, such as a rattle anklet;

0185<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating an infant too young for motor control operating a plurality of toys by incidental sounds produced from sound makers worn by him, such as a rattle anklet and a rattle bracelet;

0186<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating a child playing with a sound-making toy, wherein a toy responding to the sound-making toy has a angle-dependent receiver that is sensitive to the direction of the sound and responds by turning its head to the direction of the sound and/or by walking towards the sound;

0187<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating a child playing with a sound-making toy, wherein a toy responding to the sound-making toy has a angle-dependent receiver that is sensitive to the direction of the sound and wheels and responds by wheeling over towards the sound;

0188<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating a child playing with a plurality of sound-making toys, wherein a plurality of corresponding responding toys, respond to sounds from their sound-making counterpart;

0189<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating a child playing with a toy computer, using a plurality of sound-making toys as his function keys;

0190<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating a child playing with a toy computer wherein as he plays with a particular sound-making toy, the toy computer pronounces its name;

0191<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating a child crawling through the house with a sound-maker, such as a rattle, attached to his person, wherein a plurality of responding toys respond to his coming and going in a variety of ways;

0192<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating a child who wakes up late at night and relies on a sound maker on his person to turn on the lights and some soothing music for him;

0193<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating an invalid wearing a sound maker so that, as he enters a room, various electrical devices are turned on for his convenience;

0194<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating a pet wearing a sound maker and thereby controlling a pet door that has an electric lock; and

0195<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a schematic representation of some preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, illustrating in a block diagram the manner of operation of the toys and devices described here.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0196<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an infant <b>10</b>, preferably one too young for fine motor control, who operates at least one toy about his crib <b>12</b>, utilizing apparatus in accordance a preferred embodiment of the invention. Infant <b>10</b> controls the at least one toy with incidental sounds produced by a sound maker such as a rattle anklet <b>14</b> worn on his ankle <b>16</b>. An exemplary toy near crib <b>12</b> is a battery-operated mobile <b>18</b> comprising a microphone <b>20</b>.

0197As infant <b>10</b> waggles his legs, the rattle sounds are picked up by microphone <b>20</b> of mobile <b>18</b>, and mobile <b>18</b> begins to play. Preferably, mobile <b>18</b> plays for a specific duration each time the rattle sounds turn it on. Preferably, mobile <b>18</b> circuitry ignores sounds of rattle anklet <b>14</b> made while mobile <b>18</b> plays.

0198In a preferred embodiment of the invention, mobile <b>18</b> has a frequency-band filter tuned to the frequency of sound made by rattle anklet <b>14</b>, such that mobile <b>18</b> responds only to sounds coming from rattle anklet <b>14</b>.

0199In some preferred embodiments mobile <b>18</b> has several tunes in its memory and responds to different rates of rattling differently. For example, mobile <b>18</b> may play a fast tune in response to a fast rattling rate, and a slow tune in response to a slow rattling rate.

0200In some preferred embodiments mobile <b>18</b> has several tunes in its memory and responds to different rattling amplitudes differently. For example, mobile <b>18</b> may play a loud tune in response to a loud rattle and a soft tune in response to a soft rattle.

0201<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates infant <b>10</b> operating a plurality of battery-operated toys and devices at or near crib <b>12</b>, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Infant <b>10</b> controls the plurality of toys and devices with incidental sounds produced by sound-makers worn by him or attached to him, such as socks with sewn-on bells <b>22</b>, worn on his feet <b>24</b>, and a pressure sensitive bracelet <b>26</b>, worn on his arm, close to his elbow <b>28</b>. (As infant <b>10</b> bends his arm, bracelet <b>26</b> produces a sound.) Some toys are controlled by socks <b>22</b> and some by bracelet <b>26</b>.

0202The plurality of battery-operated responding toys and devices in crib <b>12</b> may comprise, for example, a doll <b>30</b> that makes a giggling sound, a teddy bear <b>32</b> that hums a soft tune as if to itself, a “Jack-in-a-box” <b>34</b> that jumps up and/or sways to sounds produced from one of the sound-makers of infant <b>10</b>, a bird <b>36</b> that chirps, a ballerina on a music box <b>38</b> that reels to the music of its music box, a moon-and-star-studded placard <b>40</b> that plays a tune, a music system <b>42</b> that plays a tune and/or a display of lights <b>44</b>. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, music system <b>42</b> includes a light show. In one embodiment, the light show comprises one or more moving patterns, which are preferably projected on a ceiling or a wall using laser and/or collimated light patterns. Preferably, the patterns turn on, move, vibrate and/or change in response to the sounds of one of the sound maker of infant <b>10</b>. Preferably, the light display is accompanied by music from music system <b>42</b>.

0203Preferably, not all these toys are placed near or at crib <b>12</b> simultaneously. Rather, two or at most three toys are placed in crib <b>12</b> each time, and they are replaced from time to time.

0204Reference is now made to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> which is a schematic representation of another preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates child <b>50</b> playing with at least one pair of a sound-making toy and a responding toy. For example, the sound-making toy may be a toy rattle bone <b>52</b>, and the responding toy may be a battery-operated, motorized puppy <b>54</b>. Preferably, rattle bone <b>52</b> is made as a hollow rigid toy of plastic in a shape of a bone preferably with marbles inside to make the rattling sound. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, toy puppy <b>54</b> includes a receiver <b>56</b> which differentiates between sounds arriving from different directions. In one embodiment, signals from two or more microphones may be combined to yield stereophonic detection. Alternatively or additionally, a microphone having an angular dependence reception may be used. In one example, the amplitude is dependent on the direction. Alternatively or additionally, the relative amplitudes of different frequencies is dependent on the direction. As used herein, direction may include horizontal directions and/or vertical directions. Preferably, head <b>58</b> of toy puppy <b>54</b> can turn independently. As child <b>50</b> rattles rattle bone <b>52</b>, head <b>58</b> turns towards it. In some preferred embodiments, legs <b>60</b> of puppy <b>54</b> are also segmented at their joints and puppy <b>54</b> walks towards rattle bone <b>52</b>. Preferably, the moving mechanism of toy puppy <b>54</b> is capable of moving forward and backward and turning a fixed degree to the left or to the right. Where greater turns are required, toy puppy <b>54</b> may turn in several steps, as follows: turn, sense direction of incoming sound, turn further, sense direction of incoming sound, until the turn is complete. Alternatively, the moving mechanism of toy puppy <b>54</b> is capable of moving forward and backward and turning a variable degree to the left or to the right, so that a complete turn may be performed in one step. It should be pointed out that the invention is not limited to a toy puppy and any toy having a head and/or limbs such as a toy doll, a toy monkey, a toy ostrich, a to donkey or any other animal toy, as known in the art, may be used. Alternatively or additionally, other external appendages may respond, for example a rider mounted on a horse may wave. Alternatively or additionally, internal portions of the toy may respond, for example, eye of the toy may open and close and/or turn in a direction of a sound source.

0205<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates child <b>50</b> playing with another pair of a sound-making toy and a wheeled responding toy. For example, the sound-making toy may be a toy car horn <b>62</b> and the responding toy may be a battery-operated, motorized car <b>64</b>. Preferably, toy car horn <b>62</b> is a rubber button that squeaks when pressed. Alternatively toy car horn <b>62</b> may be an old-fashioned bicycle blow horn. Preferably, toy car <b>64</b> include a direction detection circuitry <b>66</b>, for example as described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Preferably, when child <b>50</b> presses horn <b>62</b>, car <b>64</b> wheels over towards him or away from him. Preferably, the moving mechanism of toy car <b>64</b> is capable of moving forward and backward and turning a fixed degree (such as 10°) to the left or to the right. Where greater turns are required, toy car <b>64</b> will preferably turn in several steps. Alternatively or additionally, the moving mechanism of toy car <b>64</b> is capable of moving forward and backward and turning a variable degree to the left or to the right, so that the complete turn is performed in one step. It should be pointed out that the invention is not limited to a toy car, and any other toys on wheels, such as a truck, a train, a tractor, a motorcycle, a tractor and others as known in the art, as well as treaded toys such as a treaded tractor or a treaded robot and other treaded toys, as known in the art, may be advantageously used.

0206Alternatively or additionally, other motion mechanisms, besides wheels and legs may be controlled in response to the sounds, for example, crawling, swimming and rolling. In one example, a rolling ball may comprise an inner ball mounted on gimbals in an outer ball. The inner ball is preferably weighted so that it maintains a fixed orientation relative to the Earth. When the ball is to move in a certain direction, a motor, preferably in the inner ball rotates the inner ball against the outer ball in a desired direction, so that the ball advances in the desired direction.

0207Reference is now made to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> which is a schematic representation of another preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates child <b>50</b> and a plurality of pairs of sound-making toys and corresponding responding toys about him. Each sound-making toy has a distinct pitch or sound pattern, and each responding toy has a hidden microphone and a sound analyzer so as to respond to the specific pitch or sound pattern of its corresponding sound-making toy. For example, the plurality of sound-making toys may comprise baby animals that squeak, each with a distinct sound. Preferably, these include a toy lamb <b>72</b>, a toy colt <b>74</b>, a toy goat kid <b>76</b> and a toy calf <b>78</b>. The plurality of responding toys may comprise battery-operated mother animals, each having an audio output. Preferably, these include a toy sheep <b>82</b>, a toy horse <b>84</b>, a toy goat <b>86</b> and a toy cow <b>88</b>. As child <b>50</b> plays and produces sounds with toy lamb <b>72</b>, toy sheep <b>82</b> calls out to her baby. Similarly, as child <b>50</b> plays and produces sounds with another toy baby, its mother calls out for it.

0208In some preferred embodiments, the toy mothers comprise a direction detection circuitry, for example as described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Alternatively or additionally, the toys include articulating limbs and/or heads, for direction responsive responses, for example as described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. For example, as toy colt <b>74</b> produces sounds, toy horse <b>84</b> turns its head <b>85</b> towards her colt, as well as calls out. Alternatively, toy horse <b>84</b> may advance towards its baby.

0209With regard to the preferred embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3</figref>, <b>4</b>, and <b>5</b>, the invention is not limited to the specific pairs of toys described. Other pairs of sound-making toys and responding toys may be advantageously used. For example, a sound-making human baby doll, and a battery-operated mother doll with an audio output, a sound-making love bird and a responding battery-operated mate which sings, a sound producing baby bottle that squeaks, and a baby doll that crawls towards it, preferably with an audio output. Many other combinations will occur to persons skilled in the art.

0210Reference is now made to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> which illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates child <b>50</b> playing with a toy computer <b>90</b> and with several sound-making toys about him, each capable of generating a distinct sound, wherein the sound-making toys operate activate functions of toy computer <b>90</b>. For example, the sound-making toys may be different-type rattles. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when child <b>50</b> plays with rattle <b>92</b>, toy computer <b>90</b> responds, for example by flashing in many colors. Preferably, the rate of flashing and the intensity vary with the rate of rattling and its intensity. Alternatively or additionally, toy computer <b>90</b> plays a musical tune. Preferably, the toy computer has several tunes stored in its memory, and plays a different tune and/or modulates the tune (e.g. fast, slow, loud or soft), depending on the rattle sound. Alternatively or additionally, the tune is elected to match audio characteristics of the sound and/or of an object represented by the rattle (i.e. a cow shaped rattle). Alternatively or additionally, toy computer <b>90</b> displays a short cartoon script responsive to the sound, for example different scripts for different rattles.

0211In a preferred embodiment of the invention, toy computer <b>90</b> comprises a play station (or a suitably programmed computer) executing an interactive game. Preferably, the computer detects parameters of the sounds and the interaction is made responsive to the sound. In one example, a spaceship on the computer screen may move to the same direction as that which the sound is coming from (e.g. up, down left or right). In another example, the control may be responsive to the sound amplitude and/or rate of change of location. Alternatively or additionally, certain activities, for example firing a missile (corresponding to pressing a fire button) may also be performed in response to particular sounds. In another example, the direction of motion is dependent on the type of sounds, with four sound makers preferably being provided to allow four control directions.

0212In one embodiment of the invention, sound-making toys <b>92</b>, <b>94</b>, <b>96</b> and <b>98</b> may be battery-operated beepers, each having a distinct pitch and/or beeping pattern. In some preferred embodiments, the amplitude of the beeps is made responsive to a pressure applied to a beep button (which works like an organ key). Toy computer <b>90</b> may respond to the different pitches, patterns, and sometimes also amplitudes of the beeps with different functions.

0213The invention is not limited to the particular computer functions described. Other toy computer functions, as known in the art, may be advantageously employed.

0214Reference is now made to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> which is a schematic representation of another preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates child <b>50</b>, playing with a toy computer <b>100</b> and with several sound-making toys about him, each having a distinct sound. For example, the sound-making toys may be toy fruits that squeak. As child <b>50</b> picks up a toy banana <b>102</b> and squeaks it, toy computer <b>100</b> pronounces the word “banana”. As child <b>50</b> picks up a toy apple <b>104</b> and squeaks it, toy computer <b>100</b> pronounces the word “apple”. As child <b>50</b> picks up a toy orange <b>106</b> and squeaks it, toy computer <b>100</b> pronounces the word “orange”.

0215Alternatively or additionally to vocalizing, toy computer <b>100</b> may display a picture representative of the squeaked toy.

0216Alternatively, toy computer <b>100</b> displays a picture of a person pronouncing the names of the toys.

0217Alternatively, a smart doll may be used in place of toy computer <b>100</b> to pronounce the names of the toys.

0218Alternatively, a “wise” toy animal such as a toy parrot may be used to pronounce the names of the toys.

0219Alternatively, toy computer <b>100</b> may be embedded in a different type of stuffed animal and/or other types of toys, for example vehicles.

0220Alternatively or additionally, several responding toys, for example, a teddy bear, a toy parrot and a doll may be used, to pronounce the name of the toys. Possibly, each toy may respond only to some of the squeakers, for example, a seal will respond to a fish but not to a banana.

0221The invention is not limited to the pronouncement of the names of the three toy of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, nor is it limited to pronouncing fruit names. Other sound-making toys, as known in the art, may be advantageously named. Alternatively or additionally, other words may be vocalized in response to toys, for example the phrase “please kiss the baby” may be vocalized by a “mother” doll in response to a “baby” doll being squeezed.

0222In some preferred embodiments the sound-making toys may trigger responses from several responding toys. For example, the sound-making baby animal toys described in the preferred embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> to trigger responses from mother animals, may also be used in preferred embodiments described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> to trigger responses from toy computer <b>100</b>, or from some other name pronouncing toy.

0223Reference is now made to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> which is a schematic representation of another preferred embodiment in accordance with some aspects of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates child <b>50</b> crawling about the house. Attached to his person is a sound maker such as a rattle bracelet <b>108</b>. As child <b>50</b> crawls about the house, a plurality of responding, battery-operated toys and devices respond to his coming and going. For example, doll <b>110</b>, which has appropriate circuitry for discerning if a sound source is approaching or moving away, says, “Hello,” as child <b>50</b> approaches, and “See you later,” as he crawls away. An “I-am-always-behind-you” toy puppy <b>112</b>, having a receiver that is sensitive to the direction of the sound, a motor, a head and limbs that are preferably segmented at their joints and appropriate circuitry to analyze the direction and speed of child <b>50</b>, follows child <b>50</b> wherever he goes. A toy duckling <b>114</b>, similarly structured, but with an audio output, comes forward to greet child <b>50</b> with a quack. A toy bird <b>116</b> chirps as child <b>50</b> passes by. A toy cat <b>118</b> purrs as child <b>50</b> approaches, and meows as child <b>50</b> moves away. “A chase-me” ball <b>120</b> rolls away from child <b>50</b>. As child <b>50</b> speeds up and tries to catch it, the ball preferably rolls away faster. Sometimes they form a procession, with ball <b>120</b> leading the way, child <b>50</b> chasing it, puppy <b>112</b> following child <b>50</b> and last in the procession, duckling <b>114</b> waddling and quacking. It should be pointed out that the “chase-me” toy need not be a ball, and any other moving toy such as a toy ostrich, a toy rabbit, a toy car, a toy tractor, and any other moving toy, as known in the art, may be advantageously used.

0224<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates an alternative group of applications in which sounds are used to control household devices, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a child <b>200</b> who goes to sleep with a sound maker such as a soft rattle bracelet <b>202</b> by his bed <b>204</b>. One or more devices in the house, for example, one or more lights <b>206</b> or a music system <b>208</b> include microphones and appropriate circuitry to determine if a sound source is approaching or going away and how far it is, and respond accordingly. If child <b>200</b> wakes up in the night, he needs only put on his soft rattle bracelet <b>202</b>. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, soft rattle <b>202</b> may turn on lights <b>206</b> and/or music system <b>208</b>, preferably in the room. Alternatively or additionally, lights outside the room may be turned on, for example, if child <b>200</b> walks to the bathroom, the lights in the corridor and in the bathroom will turn on. If he wants a drink of water, and walks to the kitchen, the kitchen light will turn on. As child <b>200</b> returns to the room, the house lights will turn off.

0225<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates an invalid person <b>210</b> wearing a sound-making bracelet <b>212</b> on his wrist. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more devices in the house include microphones and sound analyzers to detect and analyze sounds from sound maker <b>212</b> and respond accordingly. Preferably, the sound analyzers discern if sound maker <b>212</b> is approaching or going away and/or a distance to sound maker <b>212</b>. For example, lights <b>214</b>, an air conditioner <b>216</b> and a TV <b>218</b> are turned on as invalid person <b>210</b> enters a room, and lights <b>214</b>, air conditioner <b>216</b> and TV <b>218</b> are turned off as invalid person <b>210</b> leaves the room.

0226In some preferred embodiment, a plurality of sound-makers is available for different times of the day and for different seasons. For example, on a winter night, invalid person <b>210</b> will have on him a sound-maker that will turn on lights, a heater, and a television. But during a summer day, invalid person <b>210</b> will have on him a sound-maker that will turn on an air-conditioner or a fan and a music system, or a computer. Alternatively or additionally, the sound responsive devices may be programmed to respond differently depending on time of day and/or date.

0227<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> illustrates a pet <b>220</b> wearing a sound-making collar <b>222</b>. Pet <b>220</b> can let itself in and out of a pet spring door <b>224</b> that is locked with an electric lock <b>226</b>. Preferably, pet door <b>224</b> has a microphone <b>228</b> and a sound analyzer to senses the approach of the pet and opens lock <b>226</b>, responsive to the sound. Preferably, as pet <b>220</b> approaches door <b>224</b>, electric lock <b>226</b> opens. As pet <b>220</b> moves away from the door, lock <b>226</b> shuts.

0228Reference is now made to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> which is a schematic representation of the manner of operation of preferred embodiments of the invention, by a block diagram <b>230</b>. Block diagram <b>230</b> comprises four basic components: a receiving component <b>232</b>, a sound analyzer <b>234</b>, a controller <b>236</b>, and a responsive element <b>238</b>.

0229Receiving component <b>232</b> may comprise a single receiver, a stereo (or quadrate) receiver, or a receiver comprising a single microphone that has an angular dependence. Such a receiver may be able to determine one or two angular axes of orientation. Alternatively or additionally, sound analyzer <b>234</b> may be able to determine one, two or three-dimensional position in space. Preferably, the determinations are of cylindrical coordinates (i.e., pitch, yaw and distance).

0230Sound analyzer <b>234</b> and controller <b>236</b> may be embodied in a single unit, for example in a microprocessor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound frequencies are selected to be in relatively noise free frequency bands. Alternatively or additionally, the frequency is above 10 kHz. Alternatively or additionally, the frequency is above 12 kHz. Sound analyzer <b>234</b> preferably includes a band-pass filter for these frequencies. Preferably, the filter is at an entrance to sound analyzer <b>234</b>, so that most of sound analyzer <b>234</b> does not draw power when an “out of band” sound is received by receiver <b>232</b>. Preferably, sound analyzer <b>234</b> includes a noise filter for rejecting sounds at levels similar to and/or below ambient sound levels. Preferably sound analyzer <b>234</b> self-calibrates by determining ambient sound levels when it is first turned on and/or if it is not used for a significant period of time.

0231Responsive element <b>238</b> may include a motor for providing a physical response by motion, a speaker for providing a physical response by audio output, a lighting device for providing a physical response by light and an on/off switch. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, controller <b>236</b> modulates a supply of power to responsive element <b>238</b>, to effect the desired response. For example, controller <b>236</b> may switch on power to a motor which rotates wheels on a wheeled toy.

0232As described herein above, sound analyzer may discriminate several different sounds and parameters of these sounds, including different sound sources, sound directions, sound amplitudes, sound pitches, sound motion, preferably by Doppler analysis, distance, preferably utilizing a constant amplitude sound source or by comparing the relative amplitudes of different frequency bands, each of which is differentially attenuated by the atmosphere, motion rate and/or absolute location. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, controller <b>236</b> includes a logic element which maintains an internal state and controls responsive element <b>238</b> differentially responsive to the state. Thus, different responses and/or magnitude of responses may be affected for a same sound source, depending on the internal state.

0233In one example, controller <b>236</b> includes a state machine. In an example of a “run-away car”, a first rattle will make the car move away, a second rattle will make it move faster and a third (and possibly subsequent) rattle will make the car go in circles surrounding the noise source. Alternatively or additionally, the logic may include a functional dependency, for example, the speed of the car may be a function of the sound amplitude. Alternatively or additionally, the logic may include measurements of time, for example the car will start slowing down after 30 seconds and/or will stop and/or flash lights if no sound is detected for 1 minute. Alternatively or additionally, the logic may respond to parameters of the toy, for example battery level and length of time activated. Alternatively or additionally, combinations of the above logics may be provided. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toy may include one or more switches, such as dip switches, to select different logics. Alternatively or additionally, the toy may include a memory, for example, the toy determines a distance to a sound maker and then advances that distance, even if the sound maker ceases from creating sounds.

0234It should be noted that the sound makers of the preferred embodiments of the invention are not limited to rattles, bells, squeaky toys, pressure-sensitive instruments, or battery operated beepers. Other sound makers, such as whistles, thimbles, triangles, small drums and others as known in the art, may be advantageously employed.

0235In some preferred embodiments the sound maker may be a rattle anklet as described. Alternatively, it may be a rattle bracelet. The anklet or bracelet may have a stretchable band. Alternatively, they may clasp the wrist or ankle, possibly as a soft (cloth coated) spring clip. Alternatively, they fit with a band like that of a wrist watch. In some preferred embodiments, the sound maker may be a pendant. In some preferred embodiments, the sound maker may be sewn onto an article of clothing such as to the infant's socks, to the infant's sleeve or to the infant's pants. In some preferred embodiment the sound maker may be attached to an article of clothing by a safety pin, held by a clip such as a tie clip, hung on a button, or worn as a pin. Alternatively or additionally, the sound maker may include a plurality of hard objects inside a cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the sound maker may include crinkle material. Alternatively or additionally, the sound maker may include tines which generate a substantially single frequency sound.

0236Preferably, the sounds of the sound makers are pleasant or at least not irksome to people and/or to pets. In some preferred embodiments the sounds of the sound makers are inaudible to humans. In some preferred embodiments the sounds of the sound makers are inaudible to humans as well as to pets. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, inaudible sounds comprise infra sounds, at frequencies below human and/or pet hearing ability. Alternatively or additionally, inaudible sounds comprise ultrasonic sound, above human hearing abilities and/or above pet hearing abilities. Preferably, the terms infra-sound and ultra-sound reflect the hearing abilities of a 20 year old healthy human male. Alternatively, the frequencies may be selected to be outside of a child's hearing range. Alternatively or additionally, the sound frequencies may be selected to suit an older person. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound wave is carried in the atmosphere. Alternatively or additionally, the sound is carried in a liquid, for example in bath toys. Alternatively or additionally, the sound may be carried by solids, for example through a floor.

0237It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the toys described here. Other toys capable of responding to an electrical signal may be advantageously employed, by modulating the electrical signals responsive to the sounds.

0238The toys may be activity centers, dolls, toy animals, stuffed animals, toy cars, toy trucks, toy airplanes, toy helicopters, toy trains, toy boats, toy puppets, toy appliances, toy computers, toy music systems, toy cameras, toy TV, toy radios, toy tape players.

0239The response of the toys may be by sounds, such as in pronouncing a word, a combination of words, crying, laughing, giggling, singing, playing a melody, ringing, whistling, various engine and motor sounds such as of cars, trains, helicopters, airplanes, horn sounds, animal sounds such as the singing of birds, hooting, barking, meowing, purring, mooing, other animal sounds and other sounds in general.

0240Alternatively or additionally, the response of the toys may be by flashing lights of one or several colors, or by blinking of lights wherein the light source may comprise light bulbs of different kinds, or laser light of one or several colors.

0241Alternatively, or additionally, the response may be a musical piece.

0242Alternatively or additionally, the response of the toys may be by movement, such as by a stuffed animal raising its arms, a toy puppy wagging its tail, a Jack in the Box jumping out and swaying, a car running, a robot moving and turning, a toy doll or a toy animal turning its head, moving its arms or walking, a ball rolling.

0243In some preferred embodiments the sound maker and the responding toy are bought together, for example, a mobile and an rattle anklet that operates it, or a singing moon-and star-studded placard and a rattle bracelet that operates it. In other preferred embodiments the responding toys have a frequency-band filter and a tuning button so that they can be tuned to operate with existing or home made sound makers.

0244It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specific electrical appliances and lighting described here turning on and off. Other electrical appliances and electrical systems may be advantageously activated.

0245The invention described herein is not limited to the particular preferred embodiment described herein, nor for those embodiments, to particular elements described. The limits of the protected invention are defined by the following claims. In the claims, the terms “comprising”, “comprises”, “including” “includes”, or the like means “including but not necessarily limited to.”